It has been four years since the Honda Passport was introduced to the market, and it is now time to ask whether the model has succeeded in integrating well. First, it should be noted that the Passport belongs to one of the most challenging categories to conquer in the market. Midsize SUVs are vehicles that are not considered a necessity. They only meet needs already covered by compact or midsize SUVs with three rows of seats. Thus, the category to which the Japanese automaker’s SUV belongs relies on pure and simple emotions. In short, it is a vehicle bought for pleasure above all else.
The Honda Passport is the Japanese automaker’s answer to those who want to break free from routine and everyday life. It is a vehicle with enhanced off-road capabilities, a vehicle that perfectly masters the notion of comfort, and it is packed with advanced technologies. The Honda Passport offers a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and is spacious and roomy enough for a small family with all the necessary luggage to go on an adventure. It is a vehicle only made for some, which is reflected in the sales figures. However, this should not be seen as a negative point, as the Honda Passport is one of the most appreciated vehicles in its category, which I perfectly understood during my test drive of the model.
Range and Engines
Honda has decided to keep things simple with the 2023 Passport, which offers only three versions. There is the base version, also called Sport, the Trailsport version, which offers superior off-road driving elements, and the Touring version, which focuses on luxury. The price difference between the base and the top of the range is relatively insignificant. As a vehicle purchased for pleasure, skip the base version and choose between the Trailsport and Touring versions. Regardless of your choice here, you will get your money’s worth.
Sport – $49,205
Trailsport – $53,205
Touring – $55,905
The test version
For my test, Honda put me behind the wheel of a Passport Touring, and I particularly appreciated the general atmosphere of the model. It is a typical Honda product that is easy to get used to. The Touring version sits at the top of the range, offering all the best options available for the model. The audio system is of good quality, and the finish is impeccable. The only thing that disappointed me a little, especially for a model of this caliber, was the size of the sunroof, which is limited to the front seats only. Apart from that, this version is faultless and certainly honors the brand’s reputation.
The first impression
The midsize SUV category has been particularly competitive in recent years, and Honda chose the right moment to offer a vehicle in this segment. Thus, I had high expectations for the model, and Honda did not disappoint me. The Passport displays a design that may seem sober at first glance, but this is not true. It looks more like the designers wanted to be inspired by Honda models from the late 1990s and early 2000s, and the result is simply perfect. It is a vehicle that has a subtle retro feel, and I love the result.
The Honda Passport is surprising for many reasons, starting with its size. His shape and elevated stance make it seem relatively compact, even up close. However, one realizes its generous dimensions when getting inside, which is a positive point. The opposite can be disappointing, but it is a pleasant surprise in the Passport case. As for the space in the rear seats, three adults can be very comfortable, and the Passport is a perfectly adapted vehicle for children. The loading floor was high, but it remained spacious nonetheless.
Driving experience
If there is one thing, turbocharging is not always the solution, especially when replacing a V6 with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The Honda Passport is the exception that confirms the rule because, unlike most of its competitors, the Japanese manufacturer’s SUV offers a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine. This is the kind of thing that would lead me to choose this model over many of its
Competitors.
This 3.5-liter V6 engine has a power output of 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, which is not very impressive compared to the figures of a turbocharged engine. However, the smooth ride and overall driving experience of this V6 defy statistics, and that is what matters to me. It is an engine that is as pleasant to use in the city as on the highway. Its power curve is perfectly calibrated, thanks partly to its 9-speed automatic transmission. Of course, the Honda Passport comes standard with all-wheel drive.
As for the model’s fuel consumption, Honda announces an average consumption of 11.3L/100km. In my experience, I now have an average consumption of 10.6L/100km during my test without particularly paying attention. The manufacturer’s figures are accurate and realistic.
Recommendations
The Honda Passport answers a question that only a few people ask. We evaluate vehicles according to our needs and get carried away by emotion once we arrive at the dealership. That’s why the Passport concedes so many sales to the CR-V and Pilot. However, it is a vehicle that I recommend you put on your list when it comes time to change it.Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier